The meaning of The Fool tarot card is new beginnings. It is associated with youthful naïveté, optimism, and idealism. The symbology is often that of a jester or joker, usually carrying his gear on a stick as a hobo would. He is typically accompanied by a dog, a cat, or some other familiar that behaves as his guide. In some cards he plays the pipe (like Pan) or is a young child grabbing at something interesting but unknown.
Below you can view the various artistic interpretations of the Fool Card.

The Enlightened Fool is the completely realized human being
filled with joy
in the midst of everyday activities and problems.

A jester who laughs at the madness of ego-trips in society.
Before enlightenment: chop wood, haul water.
After enlightenment: chop wood, haul water.

Enlightenment is an experience of expanding your consciousness
beyond the normal state that you are in now.

It means to “lighten up.”
It is characterized by relaxation.
Laughter, love and joy are major expressions of enlightenment.
Laughter dissolves the negative ego.
You can laugh at the great cosmic joke.
It can be very dangerous to be the enlightened Fool in society.

If you seem to know too much,
or teach something new,
or act wiser than the boss,
or break a taboo, they may crucify you,
burn you at the stake,
lynch you, lock you up,
or ridicule you while calling it news.

They might accuse you of subversion, heresy, insanity or treason!
That’s why the Fool wears a mask and plays the clown.
The only thing to do is to laugh and go on with your life.
Be the wise compassionate joker not their scapegoat.

Have you dedicated yourself to serve humanity
until all sentient beings reach enlightenment?
How is your sense of humor?
How often do you laugh?